What is the Impact of a Mothers Health and Survival on Her Childrens Survival?
A healthy newborn begins with a healthy mother. Good nutrition and quality healthcare before, during, and after a mother gives birth can prevent many of the approximately four million newborn deaths and four million stillbirths each year. The lifetime risk of a mother losing a newborn is high in the same regions where the lifetime risk of maternal death is high. Recent research has found that newborn survival is related to the spacing of childbearing. Children in the developing world born three- to-five years aafter their next oldest sibling are about 2.5 times more likely to survive until their fifth birthday than children born less than two years apart. Mothers who give birth to many children are also at a higher risk of death, thus reducing the infant’s chance of survival. The prevention of birth complications can go a long way to reduce neonatal deaths. Furthermore, preventing and treating maternal infections and illness such as sexually transmitted infections (including syphilis a
